2013-10-22_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Attachment B Jy, Memo To: Public Works, Environment, and Transportation Commission Duane Schwartz, Public Works Director From: Chris Miller, Finance Director Date: October 4, 2013 Re: Utility Bill Senior Discount Program Background The City's Utility Bill Discount Program (or a variation thereof) is believed to have been in existence since at least 1970 when the City passed Ordinance #620. This ordinance is believed to have been created as a means of encouraging homeowners to abandon their private wells and septic systems in favor of connecting to the municipal system. It is presumed that at the time the cost of connecting to the municipal system would have been cost - prohibitive for many homeowners that were on a fixed or limited income. It is also presumed that City Officials determined that most of the homeowners in that economic category were most likely to be retired seniors. Beginning January 1, 2004 the City Council expanded the `Senior Discount' Program to include single - family homeowners that are at or below federal poverty guidelines. Under the current Program single - family homeowners must meet the following eligibility requirements: Utility Billing Discount Program Requirements Owner and head of the household of a single - family home In addition, homeowners must meet one of the following requirements: At or below the federal poverty threshold guidelines - -- OR - -- Presently receiving retirement, survivors insurance, or disability insurance under the Social Security Act, 42 USC #301, as amended. Currently, 25% of all single - family homeowners are getting the discount — an increase of 400 households in the past 5 years. The discount applies on the water and sewer base fees only. The household discount amount is $31.40 per quarter, or $125.60 annually. This is shown in the chart below: 11